Rasboras, danios & minnows · Boraras brigittae

Chili rasbora care guide

Also called: Mosquito rasbora, Chilli rasbora, Brigittae rasbora

The chili rasbora is a tiny, bright red nano fish that grows to about 0.8 in (2 cm). It's peaceful and shrimp-friendly, which makes it ideal for small planted tanks, but it needs a mature tank, stable soft water and a group of 10 or more.

Chili rasboras need a tank of at least 10 gallons (38 L), a group of 10 or more, and water at 22–27°C (72–81°F) with a pH of 5.5–7. They grow to about 2 cm (0.8 in) and are peaceful.

Plan a tank with chili rasborasSee all tank mates

Chili rasbora quick facts

Scientific nameBoraras brigittae
FamilyDanionidae
OriginPeat swamp blackwater streams of southwestern Borneo, Indonesia
Adult size2 cm (0.8 in)
Minimum tank10 gallons (38 L)
Temperature22–27°C (72–81°F)
pH5.5–7
Hardness (GH)1–10 dGH
Group size10 or more (schooling fish)
TemperamentPeaceful
Swims atMiddle
DietOmnivore
Care levelModerate
Lifespan3–6 years
Safe with shrimp?Mostly (eats baby shrimp)
Safe with plants?Yes

Tank setup

A densely planted 10-gallon (38 L) tank suits a school well. Use gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, and cover any filter intake so these tiny fish can't be pulled in. Floating plants, wood and leaf litter dim the light and help them feel safe. Add them only to a tank that is fully cycled and settled.

How many chili rasboras in a tank?

The smallest common tank that suits chili rasboras is a 10 gallon. Here is roughly how many fit in each size when they are the only fish, based on adult size and waste output. Leave room if you want tank mates.

TankChili rasboras (alone)
3 gallonToo small
5 gallonToo small
10 gallon10–38
15 gallon10–57
20 gallon10–77
20 gallon long10–77
29 gallon10–111
40 gallon10–154
55 gallon10–211
75 gallon10–289
125 gallon10–481

What you need for chili rasboras

Sized for a 10 gallon tank, the smallest common size that suits a group of 10 chili rasboras. For a different tank or a mix of fish, use the stocking calculator for a list sized to your plan.

Tank and equipment

Food and extras for chili rasboras

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Water parameters

Keep them at 22–27°C (72–81°F) with pH 5.5–7.0 and soft water (about 1–10 dGH). In the wild they live in tea-colored, very soft peat swamp water, but farm-bred fish adapt to moderately soft tap water. Stability matters more than exact numbers, so make small, regular water changes and avoid big swings.

Best tank mates for chili rasboras

These popular species share chili rasboras' water needs and temperament. See the full list of 86 good matches.

Avoid keeping chili rasboras with

  • Angelfish: Angelfish can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Common goldfish: Common goldfish can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Fancy goldfish: Fancy goldfish can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Oscar: Oscar can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Bala shark: Bala shark can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Blood parrot cichlid: Blood parrot cichlid can eat chili rasboras: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.

Feeding

Their mouths are very small, so all food must be tiny. Offer crushed flakes, micro pellets or powdered fry foods, plus baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops or rotifers several times a week. Use floating or slow-sinking food and feed small amounts once or twice a day.

Behavior

Chili rasboras are peaceful but shy, and they do best on their own or with other nano species. In a group of 10 or more they form loose schools, and males spar briefly while showing their deepest red. Avoid larger or boisterous fish that could bully or eat them. They leave adult shrimp and snails alone.

Breeding

They scatter a few eggs among fine plants or moss almost every day and give no parental care. A mature, heavily planted tank with moss often raises a few fry on its own. For more fry, set up a small dim tank with java moss and mesh on the bottom, add a few well-fed pairs and remove them after two days. Fry need infusoria first and baby brine shrimp after about a week.

Tips from experienced keepers

  • Pale chilis from the store usually color up within a few weeks in a calm, planted tank.
  • Cover filter intakes with a sponge. These fish are small enough to get sucked in.
  • Feed tiny foods like baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes. Standard pellets are too big.
  • They are one of the safest fish for a cherry or crystal shrimp tank.
  • Keep them with other nano fish. Even mid-sized community fish can stress them.

Frequently asked questions

How big do chili rasboras get?

Adults reach about 0.8 in (2 cm), which makes them one of the smallest fish in the hobby. Females are a little larger and rounder than males.

Can chili rasboras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are too small to harm adult cherry or crystal shrimp. They may eat a few newborn shrimplets, so dense moss and plants help the colony grow.

What size tank do chili rasboras need?

A planted 10-gallon (38 L) tank suits a school of 10 or more. Smaller tanks are possible but harder to keep stable, and stable water is what these sensitive fish need most.

Sources

We checked these references when writing this page. Values are for healthy long-term keeping, not survival limits. Last reviewed 2026-10-13. See our editorial policy.